Schutzhund..

[BendyBoxers]

Hello all,
I have a few questions to those who participate in Schutzhund with their Boxers. Forgive me but I don't have a 'mentor' to ask these questions... so, it's you guys.
First: Can American Boxers do reasonably well in the sport? Is it better to import a 'working' dog that has it in his blood (so to speak)?
Second: Training.. are there differing training methods for this that I should be on the lookout for? I don't want any negative training methods used on my dog.. are there specific books maybe that I should read that are good?
Third: This is going to sound ignorant, but.. how do dogs compete in Schutzhund? is it an AKC sanctioned event? I live in Nebraska, where nothing ever happens, so I would have to travel with him to compete, right?

I plan on asking our local Obedience club these questions as well, but since they don't deal with specifically Boxers, and they do not train Schutzhund, I wanted to know from you guys first. We are still figuring out what we want to do and where we want to go with our 11 month old Boxer as far as 'sports' go..
Thank you

 

[BendyBoxers]

schutzhund update

Okay, so last night I found the DVG america website and then the local Schutzhund club (still, an hour away from us.. but not as bad as I had imagined!). I emailed them so hopefully they will get back to me.
They will probably answer the 'general' questions that I had.. so I guess nevermind on those! Any input, though, on Boxers and Schutzhund would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

 

[DiverDiva]

Haven't tried Schutzhund, but I took tracking classes with both Oscar and Mali. They weren't the best trackers, but they both could do it. It looks funny when they push their head back between their paws to get their nose right on the ground.

 

[BendyBoxers]

tracking

I'm in the process of teaching my dogs to 'track' my keys.. we'll see how that one goes. (Oh please let that work!! !). I figure that if they understand and can locate 'keys' on command.. then wouldn't that make Dexter a candidate ?
I don't know how rigorous the standards are for the tracking on Schutzhund, but I've heard it can be pretty strict. That's kind of my concern, is that their senses have been 'bred out' of them in the States, (to a point) as the dogs haven't been worked really- as opposed to the registered dogs in Germany that are first screened for their working ability, so they are passing that ability (hopefully) onto their offspring. Not always the case, but a generalization. I'm afraid that I'm already at a disadvantage.. :/
I'll keep everyone updated on the Schutzhund. I don't want to have too high of expectations for the poor guy- if he doesn't have it in him, why force it? I'm wondering if there is a way of screening a Boxer to see if they are a good candidate for the sport?? Anyone?